019687   Pawan Kumar;Pravinkumar P;Iqbal S S;Pillai K S;Michael M (Toxicology Dep, Frontier Lifeline Hospital and Dr. K.M. Cherian Heart Foundation, Mogappair, Chenai-600 101) : Phytochemical profile, heavy metals contents and antioxidant activities of an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 3(6), 8-16.

The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile, heavy metal contents and antioxidant activities of an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation (PHF) containing Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Commiphora mukul, Curcuma longa L, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Garcinia cambogia Gaertn, Gymnema sylvestre Retz, Momordica charantia L, Ocirnum sanctum L and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Total phenolic content, flavonoids and flavonols present in the formulation were determined by standard methods. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using total antioxidant activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The chemical composition of the formulation was studied using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Heavy metals were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The total phenolic content of the PHF was 232.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/g. Total flavonols and total flavonoid contents of the PHF were 180.7 and 135.3 mg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The PHF showed a reducing power of 26.8 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g. Total antioxidant capacity was found to be 144.4 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the PHF was 1260.9 (μM Fe (II)/g). The DPPH radical scavenging activity expressed as IC₅₀ value was 2.6 μg/mL for gallic acid and 3.1 μg/mL for the formulation. The levels of heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury in the PHF were within the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Out of the eight bioactive compounds identified in the formulation, the major compounds were 10-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester, Octadecanoic acid methyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester. The results show that the polyherbal formulation possesses good antioxidant activity and could be a potential candidate for antidiabetic studies.

2 illus, 6 tables, 40 ref

019686   Patel N B;Patel K C (NO, Smt. S S Patel Nootan Science and Commerce College, Visnagar, Gujarat, Email: niks17micro@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of Euphorbia hirta L. Ethanomedicinal Plant against Gram Negative UTI Pathogens. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2014, 3(2), 24-9.

Young branches with leaves and inflorescence part of Euphorbia hirta used in traditional medicine for the therapeutic purpose was extracted by aqueous, petroleum ether, acetone and methanol. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity on gram negative: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae UTI pathogens. The results indicated that the petroleum ether extract of Euphorbia hirta showed high zone of inhibition against gram negative organism P. vulgaris (21.67 mm), aqueous extract showed high zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa (15 mm), methanol extract showed high zone of inhibition against E. coli (14 mm), whereas The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for acetone, aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of Euphorbia hirta plant displayed an excellent antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae with MIC value 12.5μg/μl, methanol extract displayed an excellent antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae with MIC value 12.5μg/μl.

2 illus, 1 tables, 31 ref

019685   Padma Priya N;Poonguzhali T V (Botany Dep, queen mary's college, chennai-600 004) : Phytochemical screening and antibacterial property against human pathogenic bacteria from the leaf acetone extract of Piper betle. L. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 5(1), 251-9.

The leaves of Piper betle (locally known as Paan) have long been in use in the Indian local system of medicine for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In the present work, the antibacterial activity of acetone extract of the leaves Piper betle was evaluated against human pathogenic bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative). The leaf powder was subjected to phytochemical screening and was found to contain phenol, flavonoid, tannins, phlobatannins, saponin, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides. The extract confirmed significant antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains tested. The effect of the extract was almost proportional to the concentration of the extract tested. The concentration of extract was from 25μg to 75 μg respectively. Concurring with the well diffusion results, the MIC of the Vibrio cholera was found to be with 1mg/mL while for Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus it was approximately 2mg/mL. Crude acetone extract of Piper betle showed strong antibacterial activity against the tested pathogenic bacterial strains. The results also indicate that scientific studies carried out by the commonly used herbs having traditional claims of effectiveness might warrant fruitful results.

1 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

019684   Nishanthini A;Mohan V R;Jeeva S (Ethnopharmacology unit, Botany Research Dep, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin-628 008, Email: vrmohanvoc@gmail.com) : Phytochemical, FT-IR, and GC-MS analysis of stem and leaf of Tiliacora acuminata (Lan.) Hook F & Thomas (menispermaceae). Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(9), 3977-86.

The present study deals with the phytochemical examination of therapeutic importance of Tiliacora acuminata (Lan) Hook. F & Thomas an important medicinal plant. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the methanol and ethanol extracts prepared from Tiliacora acuminata stem and leaf revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, catechins, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, saponins, steroids, sugar, glycosides, tannins and xanthoproteins. The FT-IR spectrum confirmed the presence of alkyl group, methyl group, alcohol group, ethers, esters, carboxylic acid and anhydrides. The bioactive components of the ethanol extract of Tiliacora acuminata stem andleaf were investigated using Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. GC-MS analysis of ethanol extract ofstem of Tiliacora acuminata revealed the existence of 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid (Z,Z,Z) (85.6%), 9,12,15,Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (7.2%), Asarone (3.5%), Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (1.6%), Methyl-a-d-ribofuranoside (1.4%) and 9,12,15,Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (E,E)- (0.8%) and leaf of Tiliacora acuminata revealed the existence of 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (14.9%), Squalene (14.5%), Phytol (9.5%), Vitamin E (8.3%) and Heptadecane, 2, 6-dimethyl- (7.9%).

35 ref

019683   Menason E;Betty T;Vijayan K K;Anbudurai P R (NO, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore) : Modification of fatty acid composition in salt adopted Synechocystis 6803 cells. Ann Biol Res 2015, 6(2), 4-9.

Cyanobacteria are having the potential for the development of effective adaptive mechanism during their three billion years of evolution. They are capable of performing oxygenic photosynthesis which is similar to eukaryotic algae and plants. They are considered to be a good model system for studying plant responses to environmental stress. The strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 which is a salt sensitive mutant was used as a model organism in many laboratories to study the salinity adaptations. The unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp.PCC 6803 was grown in BG 11 medium as a batch culture with different concentration of NaCl. The results of analyzed various biochemical parameters were conform that the accumulation of chlorophyll a and proline content in salt adopted cells. Furthermore in the fatty acid composition, out of 11 fatty acids eight were saturated and three of them were unsaturated fatty acids in gas chromatography. In salt adopted cells the modification of fatty acid composition was understand in this studies.

1 illus, 5 tables, 31 ref

019682   Manikandan R;Srivastava S K;Deroliya P K (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, Dehradun-248 195) : Economically important plants from govind pashu vihar wildlife sanctuary, western himalaya. Ann For 2014, 22(1), 57-75.

Present paper deals with economically important plants, especially wild edibles (leafy vegetable, fruits), pseudo-cereals, medicinal plants, herbal source of vegetable oils, paper and pulp, beverage, spices, condiments and flavouring agents, gums and resins, etc. in details from Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand.

2 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

019681   Hosagoudar V B;Mathew S P;Babu D (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala-695 562, Email: vbhosagoudar@rediffmail.com) : Foliicolous fungi of Andaman Islands, India. J Threatened Taxa 2014, 6(2), 5447-63.

One month field collection tour resulted in the collection of more than 500 foliicolous fungi. Of these, 152 collections have been identified, resulted in recording 60 fungal taxa. Of these, one new genus (Andamanomyces), 16 new species (Andamanomyces fragariae, Asterediella anaxagoreae, Asteridiella colocasiae, Asterina eleocarpigena, Asterostomella dhanikariensis, Asterostomella ferrargunjensis, Irenopsis andamanica, Meliola andamanica, Meliola canarifolia, Meliola chukrasiicola, Meliola harrietensis, Meliola myristicacearam, Meliola parishiae, Meliola savarkarii, Meliola ternstromiicola and Schiffnerula chukrasiae) and one new variety (Meliola pithecellobii var.indica) are discovered. Meliola palmicola is reported here for the first time from India. All these taxa are listed but the novel taxa are described and illustrated in detail.

14 ref, 18 illus

019680   Gokulakrishnan S;Raja K;Mohanraj M; Sattanathan G;Eswar A (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Bioactive properties of medicinal plant Cassia auriculata leaf extract by different solvent extraction. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 5(1), 68-73.

In present investigation, the pharmacological importance of Cassia auriculata was assessed. Antimicrobial activity of methanol, acetone and water extracts of C. auriculata was investigated by well diffusion assay. Ten bacterial strains viz. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogens, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were used as a test organism. The maximum zone was produced in 12 mm against E. coli and minimum inhibition of 7mm was showed against P. mirabilis and S. pyogens. In acetone, the maximum was showed 8mm against E. coli and V. parahemolyticus and minimum as 3mm against S. paratyphi. Albeit, 0mm inhibition was showed against K. pneumoniae and the aqueous showed the maximum inhibition of 7mm against E. coli and S. typhi and minimum of 1mm against K. pneumoniae. Further, in cytotoxic activity the maximum mortalities (80%) were observed at a concentration of 100 μg/ml methanolic crude extract and minimum of 10% mortalities was noticed against 20 μg/ml of acetone extract and 40 μg/ml of water extract and 0% mortality were observed against 20 μg/ml of water extract. The present study revealed that the medicinal plant C. auriculata having high antibacterial activity and moderate cytotoxic activity in addition to purification of extract used as potential pharmacological product.

2 illus, 19 ref

019679   Dey J;Sinha R K (Botany Dep, Tripura Univ (A Central Univ), Suryamaninagar, Tripura) : Carbon and nitrogen metabolites in some ethno-botanical weed legumes of Tripura during their seasonal maturity of growth. Ann Biol Res 2015, 6(2), 1-3.

Tripura possess a rich source of ethnobotanically important plant species. Among them some weed legumes are known to have good potential as cover crops in agro-based forestry and rubber plantation areas. In the present paper, we highlights the contents of certain carbon and nitrogen metabolites in three selected weed legumes which grow luxuriantly around the Tripura state. Superiority of Cajanus scarabaeoides in carotenoid content with a total free amino acid 4.29 ± 0.27mg/ g. leaf fr.wt. is si gnificant as ethnobotanicals besides its nitrogen fixing ability in the soil and potential cover crop.

2 tables, 18 ref

019678   Bokolial D;Rupak Nath (Botany Dep, St. Anthony's College, Shillong-793 001, Email: devajitbk@gmail.com) : Piscicidal plants of North East India: an overview. Envir Ecol 2014, 32(4B), 1636-41.

Poisoning is a common method of fish harvesting in the northeastern states of India. A number of plants having piscicidal properties are found in the region and used by locals for fishing This review-aims at summarizing and analyzing the available information about piscicidal plants used in the northeastern states.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

019677   Agnihotri P;Dixit V;Singh H;Paliwal A K; Husain T (Systematic & Herbarium Div, Plant Diversity, CSIR National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh-226 001, Email: priyagni_2006@yahoo.co.in) : Rare and endemic taxa of Leucas (Lamiaceae) in India. J Threatened Taxa 2014, 6(2), 5507-11.

10 ref

019676   Abdel-Wahab N M;Hamed A N E;Khalil H E;Kamel M S (Pharmacognosy and Pytochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia Univ, 61519 Minia, Egypt) : Leaf morphoanatomy studies of Parmentiera cereifera Seem. family Bignoniaceae, cultivated in Egypt. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 3(6), 47-57.

Parmentiera cereifera Seem. is one of the edible and medicinal plants. It is known as Candle tree, Candlestick tree and Panama Candle tree. Reviewing the available literature, only two studies could be traced concerning the microscopical features of P. cereifera. The current leaf morphoanatomy studies showed various standardized parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic characters. These various diagnostic features could be helpful in authentication and identification of P. cereifera Seem. leaf.

16 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

019675   Abdel-Wahab N M;Hamed A N E;Khalil H E;Kamel M S (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia Univ, 61519 Minia, Egypt) : Stem botanical studies of Parmentiera cereifera Seem., family bignoniaceae, cultivated in Egypt. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 3(6), 01-07.

Many families are rich in secondary metabolites and have high economic and therapeutic values such as Family Bignoniaceae. One of the important plants of this family is Parmentiera cereifera Seem. A thorough survey search indicated that P. cereifera was not studied the stem pharmacognostically. The current study investigates both macroscopical and microscopical features, which could be helpful in authentication of the plant stem. It is also supportive in the identification of powdered drug prior using in any herbal preparations.

13 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

018613   Wadkar S S;Shete C C;Gurav R V;Patil K S (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004, Email: kspatilbiotech@yahoo.com) : Micropropagation of Cryptocoryne spiralis Var. Cognatoides. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 147-9.

Procedure for in vitro establishment, rapid shoot proliferation, and ex vitro plantlet acclimatization of vulnerable C. spiralis var. cognatoides has been developed using single node and shoot tip obtained from aseptic seedlings. MS medium supplemented with BAP (4.44 μM) and IAA (0.57 μM) was used for initiation of cultures. Regenerated shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with combinations of BAP (4.44, 8.88, 11.10, 13.32 μM) and IAA (0.57, 1.71, 2.85 μM) for multiple shoot regeneration. Highest number of shoots were obtained in the combination of BAP (11.10 μM) and IAA (2.85 μM) with shoot tip (12.16) and single node (8.33) as an explant. The number of roots obtained was highest (6.33) on MS with NAA (1.07 μM), however, in single node culture rooting occurred on MS medium devoid of hormones. The plants were acclimatized with 90% survival.

3 illus, 8 ref

018612   Swamy K R K;Sandhya Rani S;Pullaiah T (Botany Dep, Sri Krishanadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: raju.botany@gmail.com) : Euphorbia clarkeana Hook. F. new distributional record from Eastern Ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 107-9.

1 illus, 6 ref

018611   Sunilkumar T;Prabhu Kumar K M;Sreeraj V; Antony V T;Rajendran A (Botany Research and Post Graduate Dep, Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, Kerala, Email: sunilkumarmuhamma@gmail.com) : Critical notes on the occurrence of Premna coriacea Var. Villosa (Lamiaceae) in Western Ghats of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 211-14.

Premna coriacea var. villosa (C.B Clarke) A. Rajendran & P. Daniel is a less known Premna species distributed in India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam. This taxon has not been collected from its type locality, Wayanadu India after R. H. Beddome's collection in 1869. The recent exploration trips by the authors rediscovered this taxon from its type locality after a lapse of 145 years from India. A brief description with colour photographs is provided along with its distribution map.

12 ref

018610   Sundar S T B;Kannan M;Jawaharlal M (Floriculture and Landscaping Dep, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: binisundar@yahoo.co.in) : Off season flower induction through fertigation and biostimulant spray in Jasminum sambac Ait.. Asian J Hort 2014, 9(1), 32-5.

Investigation was undertaken at the Botanical Garden, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the influence of fertigation and biostimulant spray on offseason flower production in Jasminum sambac cv. RAMANATHAPURAM GUNDUMALLI. The crop was grown under precision method of cultivation by following fertigation at weekly intervals and the plants were sprayed with biostimulant viz., humic acid (0.4%) and panchagavya (3%) at monthly intervals and the effect of these on off season flower production was evaluated. The results indicated that drip fertigation with 125 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer in combination with foliar spray of humic acid (0.4%) and panchagavya (3%) produced flowers throughout the year with a production of 14.78 t ha^{-1. This was closely followed by the treatment with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer in combination with humic acid (0.4%) and panchagavya (3%) with production of 14.14 t ha-1. However, this treatment showed its superiority by registering highest BCR over other treatments.}

6 tables, 8 ref

018609   Subburaman S;Goutham S;Premjothi P V R (NO, , Wildlife Trust of India, F-13, Sector-8, Noida Uttar Pradesh-201 301, Email: subburaman.mb@gmail.com) : Reef building corals on near shore reef along gulf of kachchh, Gujarat, West coast of India. J Ecobiol 2014, 33(1), 17-26.

Coral reefs are biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, providing critical habitats to approximately 25 percent of marine species and are recognized as vulnerable. In this study, three representative sites had been selected namely Beyt - Shankodwara reef, Mithapur reef and Laku reef in and around Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, to study the current status of the near shore reef and the coral community. A total of twenty seven hard coral species were observed from Beyt - Shankodwara reef area, twenty three species were observed from Mithapur reef and eighteen species from Laku reef area. The benthic status revealed that Beyt - Shankodwara reef has fair condition with good diversity of hard corals and the species richness also better than other two reefs.

3 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

018608   Srivastava M;Kumar G;Mohan R;Malhotra S (Phytochemistry Div, CSIR- National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ms_sks2005@yahoo.co.in) : Phytochemical studies and antimicrobial activity of babool seeds. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(11), 724-8.

Antibacterial activity of seed extracts of A. nilotica, P. juliflora and L. leucocephala was determined in vitro using disc diffusion method against different bacterial strains viz. S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia and S. typhi. Dried powder was subjected to successive hot extraction method to obtain various extracts viz. n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, alcohol and water. Assay was performed at a dose of 100 mg/ml, compared to standard Amikacin (30 mg/ml). Maximum inhibition zone of 10 mm was observed by acetone, alcohol and water extract of A. nilotica against E. coli, S. typhi, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively. P. juliflora extracts showed activity (8 mm) against S. aureus and S. typhi only. In L. leucocephala, n-hexane, alcohol and water extractive showed more prominent activity (8 mm). E. coli is neither inhibited by P. juliflora nor by L. does leucocephala extract. Hence a considerable zone of inhibition was observed by all the three babool species, among which A. nilotica exhibit most significant activity against tested strains followed by L. leucocephala and P. juliflora. The study prospects for detailed investigation on isolation and activity guided fractionation of babool seed extracts and their utilization as potential antimicrobials.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

018607   Srilakshmi A;Gayatri M C;Rajanna L (Molecular Biology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: sriluck22@gmail.com) : In vitro flowering in Pimpinella candolleana Wight & Arn.. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 55-60.

A protocol has been developed for in vitro flowering in Pimpinella candolleana, an ethnomedicinal plant using shoot tip explant. Murashige and Skoog's Basal Medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 13.31 μM and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) 2.69 μM was found optimum for production of multiple shoots. The regenerated plantlets were found to form tiny white floral buds after 4-6 wks of culture on MSBM supplemented with BAP (2.22-17.74 μM). Low concentration of BAP (2.22 μM) produced more number of umbels per each explant.

5 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

018606   Singh H;Baske P K;Saravanan R (Botanical Suvery of India, Central Botanical Laboratory, Howrah-711 103, Email: harish_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnobotanical observations on Balangir district, Odisha, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 40-73.

Deals with an account of 587 ethnobotanical uses of 264 plant species belonging to 102 families and 205 genera, collected from different tribal and rural people of Balangir district of Odisha. These data are outcome of extensive ethnobotanical surveys among 8 major tribal groups and 17 non-tribal communities in 85 villages under 3 sub-divisions of the district. About 43 tribal groups and many rural communities resides in and around the forests of the district and depend mainly on plant resources for their daily requirements like food, fodder, fibre, fuel, medicine, wood, gum, dye etc. These first hand ethnobotanical data are being enumerated with their botanical name, family, local name (s), locality (ies) and voucher number(s), followed by ethnobotanical uses collected from field study and from already published literature.

1 illus, 24 ref

018605   Singh G;Verma D;Pande D;Rawat G S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box <35> 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Email: gajendrawat@yahoo.com) : Phytoresource diversity and their traditional uses by mountain villages of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 7-20.

Survey was conducted to explore the resource diversity and their uses by the local communities situated in the fringes of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand. Consumption pattern and impact on the forest resources were also taken into consideration. For this study randomly 12 villages were selected and from each village, 20 people were interviewed randomly. Only one person was interviewed from a household. A total 240 respondents were interviewed. Study revealed that 316 species belonging to 79 families and 212 genera are utilized by the local people for various purposes. Species are used as fodder (145), medicinal (126), fuelwood (89), edible (27), construction (21), fibre (5), oil seeds (4) and other miscellaneous (61) uses by the local communities. Some plant species has multiple uses.

1 table, 9 ref

018604   Shinde S B;Deshmukh H V (Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Mahatama Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Email: shindesb123@gmail.com) : Estimation of fusaric acid from culture filtrate of Fusarium udum by thin layer chromatography. Asian J Bio Sci 2014, 9(2), 252-4.

The investigation was undertaken to estimate fusaric acid from culture filtrate of Fusarium udum by using thin layer chromatography. Acidic pH (3.00), temperature 28 to 30°C and 20 days after incubation was found to be optimum for maximum fusaric acid production.

3 tables, 17 ref

018603   Sharma S K;Jain A (NO, Forest Research Farm, Banki (Sisarma) Udaipur-313 001, Email: sksharma56@gmail.com) : Wild flora of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 159-77.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the injunction hilly tract of Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India. Extensive floristic survey was carried out during the year 2000-2011 to document flora of Kumbhalgarh WLS and 515 plant species belonging to 106 families have been recorded. The higher generic coefficient (68.15%) of flora of this sanctuary indicates that the sanctuary have more varied habitats and intergeneric and intrageneric competition in the floral component. All the species are enumerated in the present paper along with their botanical name, family and habit.

15 ref

018602   Sharma A L;Bhot M A;Chandra N (Botany Dep, Birla College, Kalyan-421 304, Email: as220484@gmail.com) : Gastroprotective effect of aqueous extract and mucilage from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz. Ancient Sci Life 2014, 33(4), 252-8.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of B. pinnatum whole plant aqueous extract, and mucilage (MUC) isolated from the whole plant against ethanol induced gastric ulcer.Pretreatment of rats with aqueous extract at dose level of 500 and 750 mg/kg b.w., MUC at 500 mg/kg dose level and standard drug Rabeprazole at dose level of 20 mg/kg b.w. where given for 7 days. The aqueous whole plant extract of B. pinnatum at dose of 750 mg/kg p.o. and MUC at dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. markedly decrease the incidence of ulcers in ethanol induced ulcer rats. In ethanol induced ulcer rats, there was a decrease in the gastric volume, free and total acidity and ulcerative index as compared to the control group. Total carbohydrate content was found to be an increase as compare to control the group. The aqueous whole plant extract of B. pinnatum at dose of 750 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in the above parameters which was comparable to the standard drug rabeprazole (20 mg/kg). B. pinnatum extract and MUC showed protection index 72.69 and 69.65% respectively, whereas standard drug rabeprazole showed protection index 75.49%.Whole plant extracts of B. pinnatum and MUC has potent gastroprotective effect which can be further clinically studied for new drug development.

4 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

018601   Shareef S M;Santhosh Kumar E S;Roy P E (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, alode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: shariftbgri@rediffmail.com) : Syzygium fergusonii (trimen) gamble, (myrtaceae) - a new record for Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 28-9.

Syzygium fergusonii (Trimen) Gamble, an indo- Sri Lankan Myrtaceous species reported from Anamalai hills of Tamil Nadu was recently collected from the Pettimudi forests of Kerala forms a new distributional record to the state. It is described with a brief description to facilitate its easy identification.

1 illus, 6 ref

018600   Sarma J;Baruah S;Borthakur S K (NO, , Logging Div, Tinsukia-786 125, Email: sanjibbaruah9@gmail.com) : New distributional record of Garcinia indica (Thouars) choisy from Assam as well as the North-Eastern part of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 121-4.

Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy (Clusiaceae) is collected from the Eastern part of Karbi Anglong district of Assam and is reported as a new record for Assam as well as the Northeastern part of India. The nomenclature, detailed description and photographs are provided to facilitate its easy identification in the paper.

23 ref

018599   Sanghi S B;Sharma C;Sanghi S K (Botany Dep, Government M.L.B. Girls P.G. College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: shailsanghi@gmail.com) : Comparison of APTI values of some medicinal plants of industrial areas and ratapani wild life sanctuary in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2015, 6(1), 4157-60.

Today's growing population and increasing urbanization has resulted in a sudden increase in air pollution. Because of the detrimental effects of air pollution on humans, animals and plants, the ever increasing air pollution is causing concerns all over the world. Plants seem to be more sensitive to air pollution than animals including man. Various types of plants, being stationary and outdoor, are constantly exposed to air pollutants in the environment, where these plants absorb, integrate and accumulate pollutants on their foliar surface that leads to loss of vegetation and long lasting irreversible changes in ecosystem. The response of different plant species to these pollutants varies considerably. Some of the plants act as sinks for the abatement of air pollution in urban and industrial habitats. Since different plant species vary considerably in their susceptibility to air pollutants, it becomes important to screen plants for their sensitivity/tolerance levels. The present study is therefore based upon the evaluation of the susceptibility level of plants to air pollutants. Four parameters, viz. ascorbic acid (A.A), total chlorophyll (TCh), relative water content (RWC) and leaf extract pH were determined and combined together in a formulation signifying the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of plants. APTI values of 7 plant species growing in industrial areas and Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary were calculated. The APTT values of plants (Abrus precatorius L., Gloriosa superba L., Tinospora cordifolia Hook.) were higher than evergreen plants (Achyranthes aspera L., Acorus calamus L., Andographis paniculata L., Phyllanthus niruri L.), suggesting that plants have more capability to tolerate the high pollution level. Also the same plant species growing in different areas showed variations in APTI values. In general, the plants growing in industrial areas had higher APTI values followed by the areas of Ratanpani Wild life Sanctuary. This indicates that exposure to pollutant gases induces increase in the parameter values responsible for higher APTI.

1 table, 16 ref

018598   Samanta A K (Botany Dep, Ramnagar College, Depal-721 453, Email: achintyaksamanta@gmail.com) : Account of the family vitaceae in Darjeeling and sikkim Himalayas, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 90-7.

Deals with 15 species in 5 genera of the family Vitaceae distributed in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas, provided with keys for identification, flowering and fruiting time, uses, etc.

14 ref

018597   Reddy A M;Priyadarsini P;Rao B R P (Biodiversity Conservation Div, Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: rao_rp@rediffmail.com) : Arthraxon nudus and Ischaemum commutatum (Poaceae), new distributional records for Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 21-3.

Arthraxon nudus (Steudel) Hochst and Ischaemum commutatum Hackel, are reported as new distributional records for the state of Andhra Pradesh. Brief description, phenology, and distributional pattern of the taxa are provided.

9 ref

018596   Rawat V K;Pathare P (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Center, Pune-411 001, Email: rawat_vk2107@rediffmail.com) : Leptochilus decurrens Bl. forma Lanceolatus - a new generic record for Maharashtra, Western Ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 125-9.

State of Maharashtra in Western Ghats possesses one of the richest Pteridophytic floras of the country as far as the species diversity is concerned. This paper represents the occurrence of Leptochilus decurrens Bl. forma lanceolatus a new fern generic record in the Fern flora of Maharashtra from Chandoli National Park (Sangali District), India. Details are given of its nomenclature, description, distribution and ecological notes on species are presented in this paper.

15 ref

018595   Rahman M A;Yusuf M (Botany Dep, Chittagong Univ, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh) : Notes on the zingiberaceae 1: three new species of curcuma, C. roxburghii, C. wallichii and C. wilcockii from Bangladesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 1-6.

Three new species of the Section Masantha Horan. of the genus Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae), C. roxburghii Rahman & Yusuf, C. wallichii Rahman & Yusuf and C. wilcockii Rahman & Yusuf from Bangladesh are described and illustrated. These species were collected from the forests of Rangamti, Moulvi Bazar, Sylhet and Tangail districts. Diagnostic morphological characters from closely related taxa are discussed. A key to the Bangladesh species of Section Masantha is presented.

15 ref

018594   Paramagoudar P;Patil S;Srikanth L G (NO, Univ of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, Email: payaprashant@gmail.com) : Evaluation of dutch roses under naturally ventilated polyhouse condition. Envir Ecol 2014, 32(2A), 698-701.

The experiment was conducted during one year after planting significant difference was observed with respect to varieties. Among the ten varieties tried, number of shoots (3.46), number of petals (36.67) and number of flowers per plant per year (28.26) was highest in cultivar Naranga. Stalk length (63.03 cm), bud length (4.03 cm), bud diameter (3.10 cm) and vase life (8.44 days) was highest in cultivar Grand Gala and it had taken least number (36.41 days) for first flower harvest.

2 tables, 15 ref

018593   Panda S;Samanta A K (Botany Dep, Charuchandra College, 22, Lake Road, Kolkata-700 029, Email: saurispanda@rediffmail.com) : Hosts of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in Midnapore districts, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 130-5.

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb., English name 'Dodder', is a herbaceous parasitic climber of the family Cuscutaceae Dum. (or Convolvulaceae Juss.). The species is common throughout the warmer parts of India, abundant in Bengal Plains, and frequent in Sri Lanka and Malaya. In the present paper, different hosts of C. reflexa, as observed in Midnapore East and West districts of West Bengal are enumerated; as many as 71 host species were found. The medicinal uses of the parasite are also recorded here.

1 table, 8 ref

018592   Naidu B V A R;Reddi T V V S (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytuus@rediffmail.com) : Phytotherapy for jaundice in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 148-51.

Thirty one plant species belonging to 23 families employed ethnomedicinally in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh by tribal and rural people for treating jaundice are reported along with local names of the plant species, method of preparation, mode of administration and dose-regime.

8 ref

018591   Mujaffar S;Qureshi N;Yasin C M (NO, In front of Urdu-Hindi School Ghaspura, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Email: shaikhmujaffar@gmail.com) : Barleria acanthoides Vahl. (acanthaceae)-a new record to the flora of Madhya Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 30-2.

Genus Barleria is represented by 26 species in India; while Khanna et al. reported 9 species (excluding Barleria acanthoides) of it from Madhya Pradesh. Barleria acanthoides has been reported from Gujarat, Haryana, Maharshtra, Panjab & Rajisthan states of India. The present communication facilitates to include Madhya Pradesh also in the list.

1 illus, 11 table, 9 ref

018590   Mohammad N;Mishra Y;Ansari S A (Genetics and Plant Propagation Div, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur-482 021, Email: naseer35518@gmail.com) : Assessment of inter-character correlations in Pterocarpus marsupium, an endangered medicinal plant of tropical forest. Indian For 2013, 139(7), 633-5.

In the present study, attempts were made to find out the parameters for selection of superior trees of Pterocarpus marsupium. The studies associated with correlation and path analysis, indicated clearly that clear bole height, girth at breast height and total plant height were the most important parameters which could be considered for selection of superior plants of this species. In fact, it would be appropriate if these parameters are incorporated in developing strategy for selection and genetic improvement of the species.

2 tables, 14 ref

018589   Modak B K;Basu S (Zoology Dep, A.M. College, Jhalda) : Usage of plant species for oral hygiene in Purulia district, West Bengal. J envir Sociobiol 2013, 10(2), 143-6.

While investigating on the oral health of rural people of Purulia district, West Bengal, it has been found that they use various plants and plant parts to maintain their day to day oral hygiene and even use them in some pathological conditions. These plant bioresources are easily available in their surroundings and are enlisted in the present communication along with indication of their medicinal values.

1 table, 3 ref

018588   Misra M K;Panda A;Sahu D (Ecology and Floristic Laboratory, Botany P.G. Dep, Berhampur Univ, Berhampur-760 007) : Wetland flora of Kandhamal district, Odisha, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 190-202.

Results of floristic survey of the wetlands of Kandhamal district of Odisha, India have been reported in this paper. The study was conducted during 2005-08. The survey revealed altogether 130 species representing 45% monocot and 55% dicot species under 92 genera and 38 families. Monocot families are represented by 34%. The predominant family is Poaceae.

1 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

018587   Meena K L (Botany Dep, MLV Government College, Bhilwara, Rajasthan-311 001, Email: kanhaiyameena211@yahoo.com) : Bergia aestivosa Wight & Arn.: a new record to the flora of Malwa region, Madhya Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 145-7.

Bergia aestivosa Wight & Arn. (Elatinaceae) collected from villages Sarwania and Bambori, for the first time from the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh state. The morphological features, up to date nomenclature, time of flowering - fruiting, ecological notes and photographs of this species have been presented.

18 ref

018586   Mazher F (NO, Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal-462 008, Email: farieklavya@gmail.com) : Acorus calamus L. A potential medicinal plant. Indian For 2013, 139(7), 615-25.

Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, has long been known for its medicinal value. It is cultivated in many countries because of the demand of its essential oil and powder. It is widely employed in modern herbal medicine as an aromatic stimulant and general brain tonic. Main chemical constituents are asarone and β-asarone present in rhizome and leaves. The wild source of medicine is shrinking day-by-day. There is a need for conservation and sustainable use of such plant of immense medicinal value.

26 ref

018585   Mathew S;Augustine J;John Britto S (The Rapinat Herbarium and centre for Molecular Systematics, St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli-620 002, Email: silvymathew110@gmail.com) : Grass diversity of Vagamon hills in Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 203-10.

Grasses contribute tremendously to the earth's green mantle of vegetation. They are one of the most widely distributed groups of angiosperms with gross morphological complexity. The grasslands of South India, especially Vagamon hills are represented as centre of Endemism due to their exceptional bio-diversity. There are 77 species of grasses recognized from the Vagamon hills. Out of the 77 Species of grasses 18 are endemic to Peninsular India.25 Species of grasses recognized as exotic alien Species in the study area. Also this research has focused on the ecological environment of the study area.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

018584   Mathew P M;Mathew P J;Christopher C;Haridas P (NO, , Perakathuseril, Muttada P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695 025, Email: matjol2004@yahoo.co.uk) : Cytological study with emphasis to karyomorphology of Gnetum and Ephedra. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 123-34.

Cytological study was carried out in species of Gnetum and Ephedra. The chromosome constitutions in them are, 2n = 44 based on x = 11 in G. ula, 2n = 14 based on x = 7 in E. foliata and 2n = 12 based on x = 6 in E. californica. The karyotype of G. ula is moderately asymmetrical, while those of species of Ephedra highly asymmetrical and specialised. The chromosome pair 8 in G. ula which is heteromorphic in the male plant is assumed to be associated with sex determination in the taxon, the male being the heterogametic sex with XY type of sex chromosomes, and the female homogametic (XX). The noticeable degree of karyotype distinction between Gnetum and Ephedra is suggested to justify their treatment under separate orders, Gnetales and Ephedrales.

12 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

018583   Mathew P M;Mathew P J;Christopher C;Haridas P (NO, , Perakathuseril, Muttada P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695 205, Email: matjol2004@yahoo.co.uk) : Karyomorphological studies in conifers. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 107-21.

Cytological study with emphasis to karyomorphology has been carried out in 7 coniferous species. The chromosome numbers observed in them are 2n = 26 in Araucaria columnaris, 2n = 38 in Podocarpus chinensis, 2n = 22 in Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressus lucitanica, C. sempervirens, 2n = 44 in C. macrocarpa and n = 11 and 2n = 22 in Thuja occidentalis. The basic numbers existing in the represented genera are x = 13 in Araucaria, x = 9-19 in Podocarpus, x = 11 in Cryptomeria, Cupressus and Thuja. Very large sized chromosomes, remarkable constancy of basic numbers and rarity of polyploids are the hallmarks of coniferous genera. Large-sized chromosomes could be the major reason for the rarity of polyploids in them. The genus Podocarpus, however, is cytologically highly heterogeneous and dynamic. The present 2n = 38 in the species of Podocarpus is suggested to be of polyploid derivation from an ancestral n = 10 followed by descending aneuploidy. The karyotypes of species of Araucaria, Cryptomeria, Cupressus and Thuja are overwhelmingly predominated by m-type chromosomes, their karyotypes graded, falling under the 1A or marginally 2A categories with high TF % signifying high symmetry of their karyotypes. The karyotype of species of Podocarpus is highly asymmetrical (3C). While polyploidy, chromosome structural repatterning and karyotype specialisation have operated associated with species diversification and evolution in Podocarpus, this must have been mostly by cryptic structural hybridity and gene mutations in the other genera.

14 illus, 6 tables, 39 ref

018582   Manju Baby I;Mathew P J;Mathew P M (Plant Genetic Resource Div, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: matjol2004@yahoo.co.uk) : Karyomorphological study of Cheilocostus speciosus (Costaceae). J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 95-106.

Karyotype analysis was performed in 4 diploid (2n = 18) and 2 tetraploid (2n = 36) accessions of the species complex Cheilocostus speciosus (J. Koenig) C. Specht drawn from different ecogeographic regions of Kerala. Different accessions within the respective ploidy type showed fairly comparable morphology in gross karyotype features. However, as regards the centromere position in terms of 'r' values, there was recognizable difference between and among the accessions due to differential incidence of pericentric inversion leading to gene rearrangement, and this is suggested to provide cytological basis for the extent of plant morphological difference evident between and among the accessions. The tetraploid accessions had higher 'r' values making some of their chromosomes 'sm' and 'st' types leading to their higher karyotype specialization (2B, 3B) as against fairly symmetrical in the diploid counterparts. This is suggestive of numerical increase in chromosomes from 2x to 4x having had occurred in association with increase in karyotype specialisation such that both the events operated concomitantly in the tetraploids.

14 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

018581   Malik S;Bhati H P;Deepak Kumar;Vikas Kumar (Botany Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Germination and seedling growth of Vigna radiata L. under sugar mill effluent stress. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(1), 54-9.

Present research work has been studied the seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek. Vigna seeds were raised in petriplates irrigated with various concentrations of sugar industry effluent (control, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). At lower dilutions, the Vigna radiata showed favourable effect on seed germination, seedling growth and fresh and dry matter production over control. Among them 100% concentration of effluent caused inhibitory effect. This toxicity might be due to excess of nutrients, beyond the limits of tolerance.

13 ref

018580   Kottaimuthu R;Kalidass C (Centre for Research in Botany, Botany Dep, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai-625 022, Email: kalidassindia@gmail.com) : Genus monothecium Hochst (Acanthaceae)-a new record for Eastern Ghat. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 98-9.

The genus Monothecium is reported as an addition to the Flora of Eastern Ghats. A brief description, nomenclature, ecology and other relevant notes are provided for identification of the taxon in the field.

8 ref

018579   Kidwai Z (NO, , The Corbett Foundation, Village and P.O. Dhikuli, Ramnagar-244 715, Email: zaarakidwai@gmail.com) : Vegetation structure and composition in core area of Sariska National Park, Rajasthan. Indian For 2013, 139(7), 636-44.

Species richness, diversity, basal cover and importance value index of the vegetation was analyzed in the Sariska National Park in the north-eastern part of Rajasthan from February to May 2009. Sixteen transects ranging from 1.8 to 2 km in length were laid throughout the 80 km2 study area covering all the available habitat types. EstimateSWin750, PCORD, and TWINSPAN were used to calculate richness, diversity, and dominance of the region. The observed mean tree density (258.44/ha) was lower than the mean shrub density (1178.74/ha), though the diversity value was found to be higher for trees (46.47±0.53) compared to shrubs (8.0±0.02). Majority of the intensive study area comprised of grasses (56.74%). Anogeissus pendulawas found to be the most dominant species with GBH of individuals within class interval of mostly 40-50 cm and highest IVI value (44.01). Whereas for Acacia senegal the IVI value came out to be the lowest (8.98).

4 illus, 5 tables, 43 ref

018578   Khan J A;Wani T A;Gandhi R (Botany Dep, K.P.G College, Simbhoali Gaziabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Ethanomedicinal plants used for toothache in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir - India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 24-7.

Present paper outlines the occurrence of some common plants used for toothache in different areas of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Ethanobotanical data were collected through semi structured interviews using the checklist interview method by means of field herbarium of the most commonly used species in the district. We recorded total 23 species of plants of which one belongs to gymnosperms and rest 22 belonging to 21 angiospermic families.

1 table, 9 ref

018577   Jancy Rani K;Sivakumar M (Nematology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: jancynematology@gmail.com) : Effect of root knot nematode infection on enzymatic alterations in tomato under polyhouse conditions. J Ecobiol 2014, 33(1), 119-24.

Changes in activity of enzymes viz., peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia Vase (PAL) were studied in polyhouse cultivated tomato due to the infection of Meloidogyne incognita. The enzyme activity was analyzed using spectrophotometer. The activity of these enzymes was increased during 30th DAT (vegetative stage) by 0.66, 0.82 and 12.41 min^{-1 g-1 of PO, PPO and PAL respectively 45th DAT (flowering stages) by 0.75, 0.87 and 13.68 min-1 g-1 of PO, PPO and PAL respectively and it started to decline from 60th DAT (fruiting stage). The substantial alterations in enzyme activity of polyhouse grown tomato were noticed due to high population of nematodes.}

2 tables, 17 ref